Israel’s Independence Day יום העצמאות is celebrated on the 5th day of the month of Iyar ה באייר (the Hebrew date) which this year corresponds to the 5th of May, 2014. On this day in 1948, members of the provisional government, led by future Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, read and signed a Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv. Independence was declared eight hours before the end of the British Mandate of Palestine, which was due to finish on 15 May 1948.
Celebrate this day by cooking up Falafel, פלאפל one of the most ubiquitous Israeli street foods!
Falafel is sold on street corners in every city and town in Israel. Some call it the “Israeli hamburger.” Its popularity can be attributed in no small part to the Yemenite Jews who have brought a particularly tasty version onto the culinary scene.
Ingredients:
16 ounces canned chickpeas, drained
1 large onion, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 to 1 cup breadcrumbs or fine bulgur
1 teaspoon ground coriander or cumin
1 teaspoon dried hot peppers
1 teaspoon garlic powder
vegetable oil (for frying)
Directions:
1-Combine chickpeas with onion. Add parsley, lightly beaten egg and spices.
2-Mix in blender. Add breadcrumbs until mixture forms a small ball without sticking to your hands.
3-Form chickpea mixture into small balls about the size of a quarter (one inch in diameter).
4-Flatten patties slightly and fry until golden brown on both sides.
5-Drain felafel balls on paper towels.
6-Serve individually with toothpicks as an hors d’oeuvre or as a sandwich filling with chopped tomato אגבניה agvaniya, cucumber מלפפון melafefon, onion בצל batzal, hummus חומוס and/or tehina תחינה inside pita bread לחם פיטה leHem pita.
Hag SameaH !חג שמח
